Vol. 576 No. 6
102 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to the recent announcement by a company (details supplied) in Mullingar to close its plant with the loss of 116 jobs, if she will initiate the formation of a task force to find alternative employment for those employees. [30387/03]
The decision by Penn Racquet Sports Company (Ireland) to close its plant in Mullingar is a major setback for the workforce and the local community.
The State agencies work closely with each other and with the development bodies in the area, including Westmeath County Development Board and County Council, as well as other local interests, in facilitating an integrated approach to enterprise development. This existing co-operative framework can be used effectively and efficiently to deal with job losses and job creation in the area. Accordingly, the establishment of a task force would not achieve this objective with any greater effect.
FÁS has already contacted the company and offered to make available its full range of services, including training, job placement and other services.
